Synonyms of old wives' tale

old wives' tale

noun

as in error

a false idea or belief

the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale

Synonyms & Similar Words

• error
• myth
• delusion
• illusion
• superstition
• misconception
• misunderstanding
• fallacy
• hallucination
• falsehood
• falsity
• untruth
• misbelief
• fiction
• tale
• distortion
• lie
• pretense
• misrepresentation
• misinterpretation
• misknowledge
• inaccuracy
• story
• misperception
• misinformation
• factoid
• misstatement
• misapprehension
• misjudgment
• sophistry
• miscomprehension
• sophism
• fib
• misreport
• half-truth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• truth
• verity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of old wives' tale

Some commenters pointed out that an old wives' tale dictates that a bride finding a spider in her wedding dress will bring her good luck, prosperity and protection. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lauren Manaker, SELF, 26 Nov. 2025

Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale. — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025

For the 39 million Americans who suffer from migraines, finding effective relief can be a constant struggle – leading many to test out old wives' tales. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025

There are many myths, misconceptions and old wives' tales floating around regarding Arizona's high temperatures and blistering summer heat. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 19 May 2025

According to a popular old wives' tale, going to bed with wet hair can lead to catching a nasty cold. — Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

An old wives' tale says heartburn during pregnancy means your unborn baby has a full head of hair, but many parents with bald babies would strongly disagree. — Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Parents, 3 May 2024